When the iPhone was first released in Japan, it really wasn’t that popular — apart from with fanboys and the foreign community that is. Then, a price drop coupled with an ‘iPhone for everybody‘ campaign changed everything, and ‘app’ was suddenly the new watchword. A noticeable shift that meant by the time the iPhone 4 came out, interest and orders were intense.
The iPad, on the other hand, seems to have been popular from the get-go, yet until the recent release of the iPad 2, they weren’t all that noticeable out in the wild as it were. Now, however, they seem to everywhere: in cafes, on the train and also on the street — blurring the line between function, and fashion.
Linda says
What do you think about people in Japan using the iPad when electricity should be saved right now?
Lee says
The iPad uses so little electricity in the big scheme of things that I don’t think it’s worth worrying about. When you see big advertising screens still on, and brightly lit and loud pachinko parlors, personal gadget are pretty far down the list in my opinion.
AnK says
Really not a fan of Apple, but I like the photo. Lovely colors. Lovely subject too!! 😉
Lee says
Thanks, I was pleasantly surprised they way it came out.
NihonBurp says
personally I can’t see the point of tablets, use a smartphone for on the go internet etc, or a cheap net book if you want to do word processing etc. Anyway, nice photo
Lee says
Cheers!
I have the original iPad, but it’s very much an enjoyable extra rather than something essential. Don’t really take it out apart from long journeys, and definitely couldn’t imagine doing a lot of work on it. And yet that said, I’d certainly miss it if it was taken away from me.
Marc T says
Same here – not really a portable solution for casual activity. The handy works great for that. I was in Japan when the iPhone was launched and figured it would never gain traction because there was no place to hang charms/icons from it!
Lee says
Yes, there was lots of discussion about that. Young women especially it was suggested would never buy one. Now they just hang charms from their bags instead!
Marco Ricco says
Is almost 2 years i follow i think…or more or less…alway without time to leave a message..but this picture is the best!
Lee says
Thanks Marco! Good to hear from you, and to learn that you’ve been visiting for a long time.
Jero says
Has the ipad turned to a girl? She could be holding anything, really.
Lee says
I have another photo, with the iPad much more obvious, but it wasn’t as interesting, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. Or, look a little closer at the picture!
Superscube says
Japan does take time to accept outside things and people (外人)
Lee says
Yes, it certainly does…
jamie smith says
its not about the ipad, its a robin hood hat. 😀
Mike says
I love my iPad. It’s absolutely the most useful thing I’ve ever bought. I have apps that allow me to open and edit Word and Excel docs, so all of my attendance and stuff I can do on the iPad. My PDF Annotate app let’s me read and edit pdf versions of stuff I’m working on in the trains. The LogmeIn Ignition allows me to log into my main computer at home remotely and use it as if I was, well, actually using the computer, all from my iPad. And yes, I play Angry Birds from time to time. If you don’t have one yet, get one. If you do have one and aren’t loving it, find somebody who knows a lot of what apps are available so you can make it insanely useful for YOU — and you’ll never look back!